Tiffany Good - Office Manager
Tiffany has been the Manger of Local 548 for more than 14 years. She has two wonderful children. Tiffany grew up in Virginia and moved to Texas in 1999.
Chris Turner - President
I am a U S Air Force veteran. I started my career with American as a B727 instructor. Over the years, I've instructed on the S80, F100, and A300 fleets. I'm currently a B777 FCTI. I consider it a privilege to be the president of TWU Local 548. My goal is to serve the membership to the best of my ability. Kudos to my wife, Denise, for her patience, understanding, and support.
Tim Bennett - Instructor Vice President (DFW)
Tim joined AMR/American Airlines in 1989. He flew for American until his retirement as MD-80 Captain in 2012. During his career, he was type rated/flew the 727, 737, 757, 767, 777, and MD-80. Tim returned to American in 2014 as a 737 SimP Instructor.
Charles Griffin - FSE Vice President (DFW)
Bio coming soon...
Eric Helms - Instructor Vice President (CLT)
I’m currently an International Procedures FCTI in Charlotte. I’ve been with Piedmont, USAir, US Airways, and now American, for over 38 years. My wife, Kim, and I recently celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary and have three adult children and two grandchildren. I’ve served in a leadership role with the Union for over 20 years and served as chairman, or co-chairman, of our negotiating committee as well as many other committees. An avid outdoorsman, I love spending time with my family, fishing, hunting, and sailing the Caribbean.
Rob Lenhart - FSE Vice President (CLT)
I started as a Simulator Engineer at US Air in Pittsburgh in 1984. Transferred to Charlotte in 1999. Been through a few mergers (PSA, Piedmont, America West, American). I have been involved with the Union in several capacities (President, Vice President, Base Section Chair) since 1989. Negotiated several CBA's and JCBA's over the years. Love to fish and hunt, primarily bow hunting.
Earl Smith - Financial Secretary-Treasurer
I am a US Air Force veteran. I started my career with American Airlines in 1998 as a B727 Ground School Instructor. In 2001, I became a B737 Simulator Pilot. I joined the B787 fleet in 2014 and plan to remain in this fleet until I retire. I consider it a privilege to be the Treasurer of TWU Local 548. My goal is to serve the membership to the best of my ability.
Steve de la Vara - Recording Secretary
I have had the pleasure of working for our airline for 32 years. Hired with America West in 1991 on the "ramp". Learned how to fly at Arizona State University, which then gave me the opportunity to apply for a position in the Pilot Training Department in 1996. I have been a Flight Crew Training Instructor (FCTI) on the B737, B757, B767, and the A320. Currently an FCTI in General Subjects based in PHX.
Marco Amaya - Executive Member at Large
I began my aviation odyssey when I was 17 years old. After completing my studies, I began working as a flight instructor and pilot in the corporate world for a few years. I later worked for two different airlines which led to my hiring at American Airlines in the summer of 1999. I began my time at American serving on the Boeing 757/767 fleet and later transitioning to the Airbus A320 fleet in 2012. My current job title is Simulator Pilot Instructor and Standardization Coordinator. Through my aviation career, I have served different roles within ALPA and the TWU. This is my second time on our Executive Board, having served in a different capacity in a previous administration. I am married with one daughter, and I reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area. I would like to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity to serve you and our organization.
Mike Gallardo - Executive Member at Large
Mike was hired with American Airlines in 2000 as a 757/767 FCTI. Since then, Mike has instructed on the 737, and currently on the 787. In addition to being a Standardization Coordinator on the 737 and 757/767, Mike was also a Union Steward. Mike is Local 548 Veterans Committee Chair, and most recently elected as an Executive Board Member. Mike retired as Master Sergeant (E-8) from the Marine Corps Reserves in 2015 after 21 years of service. Mike flew as a CH-46 crew chief / aerial machine gunner and as a KC-130 flight engineer. Mike has five combat deployments, a humanitarian deployment to Somalia, and has been a part of numerous global operations in multiple areas of responsibility.
Jim Halcomb - FSE Base Section Chair (DFW)
I joined the Air Force in 1984. Worked on the F-15, F-16, and the F-4 simulators at Tyndall Air Force Base, then Homestead Air Force Base. I was hired at American in 1988. Did the acceptance on the first Full flight Fokker 100 simulator. I reside in Highland Village, Texas, with my three kids (two boys and one girl). Currently working in the audio/visual department of simulator support. I enjoy hunting and fishing and getting outdoors as much as possible. It’s my honor to serve our members to the best of my ability.
Jason Osborn - Instructor Base Section Chair (DFW)
I started my aviation career as a CFI in Florida. I was hired at American Eagle, in 2007, where I spent 4 years teaching the SAAB and ATR before getting hired at American Airlines in 2011. Since being at AA, I have served as a 777 instructor and standards coordinator, 777 supervisor, 320 supervisor, and I am currently a 320 FCTI Stan Coordinator. I have enjoyed my career at AA and look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to aid our members in the TWU.
Johannes Pressley- FSE Base Section Chair (CLT)
Growing up in the mountains of Bavaria and Appalachia, Johannes joined the USAF for a six-year enlistment as a U-2S crew chief.
After leaving the service, he attended UNC at Charlotte to obtain a BS in Computer Engineering and began working for US Airways as an FSE upon graduation in 2015.
Rick Campbell - Instructor Shop Steward (DFW)
Rick has been with American Airlines for more than 38 years. He has instructed on the 787, 737, 727, DC-10 and MD-11.
Luke Fairbanks - FSE Shop Steward (CLT)
Bio coming soon...
Brian Fowler - FSE Shop Steward (DFW)
Bio coming soon...
Mike Henderson - FSE Shop Steward (DFW)
Bio coming soon...
John Lewis - FSE Shop Steward (CLT)
Bio coming soon...
Jake Matthews - Instructor Shop Steward (DFW)
Marine veteran, UH-1N/Y Crew Chief, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, CRM Instructor, NATOPS instructor. I’ve been with AA since 2015 and was a S80 and 777 FCTI prior to moving to the 737 in 2018 and have also been a Standardization Coordinator since 2019.
James Palmer - FSE Shop Steward (DFW)
Bio coming soon...
Kelly Stork - FSE Shop Steward (CLT)
Bio coming soon...
Mark Stewart - Shop Steward Envoy (GSI)
I am a graduate of UCSD in San Diego and am a native Northern California. I am in my 32nd year with American Eagle, I began with Wings West Jetstream 32 LAX and then SAAB 340 DFW with Simmons and ATR 72 ORD followed by E145 DFW and initial cadre E175. I am the proud father of two daughters and two step-sons all commencing college at the same time. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time out in San Diego on the bay.
Kenny Lloyd - EAP (DFW)
I have been a Flight Crew Training Instructor at American Airlines since April, 2013. I have taught the B-757/767 and B-787 aircraft. I retired from the Air Force in 2011 as a Master Sergeant. I served as a U-2R Crew Chief and a C-130 Flight Engineer. I was asked to serve as an EAP Peer Coordinator in 2014. I'm a Labor Assistance Professionals-Certified (LAP-C) Employee Assistance Program Peer Coordinator, since 2016. I enjoy helping people and this service position is a gift.
Todd Kaperonis - EAP (CLT)
Todd's aviation career started in 1987 by working on the ramp. After getting his ratings, he flew as corporate pilot on a King Air A90. Todd has been an FCTI in the Charlotte Training center since 1999. The EAP role fits well with him as he enjoys helping others find hope during a tough season in their life. He also enjoys organic farming and learning about the soil health / human health connection.
